Method for differentially diagnosing ACTH-dependent Cushing&#39;s syndrome

ABSTRACT

This invention provides for an improved method for differentially diagnosing ACTH-dependent Cushing&#39;s syndrome. Current practice for differentially diagnosing ectopic ACTH syndrome and Cushing&#39;s Disease measures relative ACTH concentrations from the inferior petrosal venous sinus compared to fluid obtained from a periphery venous sample. This is performed before and after administration of exogenous corticotropin releasing factor, or after administration of metyrapone. This invention uses glucocorticoid receptor antagonists to induce release of endogenous CRH which stimulates ACTH to increase in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome but not in those with Cushing&#39;s Disease.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/987,365, filed May23, 2018, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 15/796,443, filed Oct. 27,2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,006,924, issued Jun. 26, 2018), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/236,015, filed Aug.12, 2016, (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,829,495, issued Nov. 28, 2017), whichapplication claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/204,723, filed Aug. 13, 2015,the entire contents of which applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cortisol is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands and is used in thebody to respond to physical and emotional stress and to maintainadequate energy supply and blood sugar levels. Cortisol production ishighly regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA)through a complex set of direct influences and negative feedbackinteractions. In healthy individuals, insufficient cortisol in thebloodstream triggers the hypothalamus to release corticotropin-releasinghormone (CRH) which signals to the pituitary gland to releaseadrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenalglands to produce more cortisol. Excessive cortisol inhibitshypothalamus from producing CRH, thus inhibiting the pituitary glandfrom releasing ACTH, which in turn suppresses cortisol production. TheHPA regulation also results in a diurnal rhythm of cortisol levels,reaching peaks in the morning and nadirs around midnight. Pathologicalconditions associated with the HPA can affect the diurnal rhythm of thecortisol and ACTH production and cause serious health problems.

Cushing's syndrome is one of these problems. Patients having Cushing'ssyndrome usually have easy bruising; abdominal obesity and thin arms andlegs; facial plethora; acne; proximal muscle weakness; and/or red purplestripes across the body. Cushing's syndrome is accompanied byhypercortisolemia, a condition involving a prolonged excess ofcirculating cortisol. Cushing's syndrome can be classified as exogenousCushing's syndrome, which is caused by excess use of glucocorticoidsdrugs, such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone, andendogenous Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by deregulatoryabnormalities in the HPA axis. Endogenous Cushing's syndrome consists ofthe ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome, characterized by anoverproduction of cortisol in the absence of elevation of ACTHsecretion; the ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, characterized byexcessive ACTH secretion.

ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome includes roughly 80% of patientshaving endogenous Cushing's syndrome and consists of two major forms:Cushing Disease and ectopic ACTH syndrome. The former is caused by apituitary tumor and the latter is caused by a tumor outside thepituitary. Correct differential diagnosis between the Cushing Diseaseand ectopic ACTH syndrome is important for endocrinologists to recommendtransphenoidal surgery or appropriate imaging to identify source of theectopic ACTH secretion.

One current approach of differentially diagnosing patients withACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome involves measuring ACTH levels fromsamples obtained simultaneously from both inferior petrosal venous sinus(IPS)—a procedure referred to as inferior petrosal venous sinus sampling(IPSS)—and from the internal jugular or another peripheral vein. In oneapproach, referred herein as CRH-IPSS, 5 blood samples are taken fromeach IPS and the internal jugular vein, two before and three afteradministration of CRH. A central-to-periphery ACTH ratio of >2 beforeand >3 after the administration of CRH is consistent with CushingDisease while a lower ratio favors ectopic ACTH syndrome. This procedurerequires prolonged catheterization with the likelihood of infection,thrombosis, or bleeding rising with the duration of catheterization. Inaddition CRH is a protein which is expensive to produce, causing ashortage in supply between 2011 and early 2013, and requiressophisticated handling. Thus, the results from CRH-IPSS fordifferentially diagnosing patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing'ssyndrome often fall in the gray area. Desmopressin acetate (DDAVP), thealternative to CRH, which has also been used for IPSS, has similardisadvantages.

Another approach, referred to herein as metyrapone-IPSS, is similar tothe one above, except that metyrapone instead of CRH is administered tothe patient before IPSS and that samples are only taken from thepatients after the metyrapone administration. Although metyrapone-IPSSimproves the CRH-IPSS—since it dispenses with the need for samplingbefore the administration of metyrapone, and thus reduces the durationof catheterization and likelihood of infection, thrombis, or bleedingassociated therewith—it also has serious limitations. First, metyraponeacts to block the conversion of 11-deoxycortisol to cortisol by11β-hydroxylase, causing a decrease in cortisol level, which in turnstimulates ACTH production and release. Since its effect on the ACTHsecretion is indirect, the test result may be skewed by other factorsaffecting the cortisol synthesis. Second, as a cortisol synthesisblocker, treatment of metyrapone—especially at a high dose—may result inadrenal insufficiency or have deleterious effects on various normalbodily functions that require cortisol—for example, the anti-stress andanti-inflammation functions. Third, metyrapone is currently notavailable in the United States, consequently this diagnosis method isout of reach for many patients in this country.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, provided herein is a method of differentiallydiagnosing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing'ssyndrome in a patient with hypercortisolemia where the differentialdiagnosis is between ectopic ACTH syndrome and Cushing Disease. Themethod comprises: (i) selecting a patient with Cushing's syndrome andelevated ACTH levels; (ii) administering a dose of glucocorticoidreceptor antagonist (GRA) sufficient to increase ACTH from the pituitarygland by at least two fold in persons with normal HPA function; (iii)waiting for at least two hours; and (iv) obtaining from the patient anACTH concentration ratio, which is derived both from the ACTHconcentrations in fluid obtained from either the left or right inferiorpetrosal venous sinus and from fluid obtained from a periphery vein,e.g., a jugular vein. The patient is diagnosed with Cushing Disease ifthe ACTH concentration ratio is greater than 3.

In some embodiments, the periphery venous sample is a jugular venoussample. In some embodiments, the ratio is derived from the ACTHconcentration in fluid obtained from the left and right inferiorpetrosal venous sinuses. In some embodiments, the GRA is a selectiveinhibitor of the glucocorticoid receptor. In some cases, the first andsecond samplings of ACTH are taken 5-10 minutes apart from both theinferior petrosal venous sinus and a periphery venous sample.

In some cases, the GRA is a selective inhibitor of the glucocorticoidreceptor. In some embodiments, the GRA comprises a steroidal backbonewith at least one phenyl-containing moiety in the 11-β position of thesteroidal backbone. In some cases, the phenyl-containing moiety in the11-β position of the steroidal backbone is a dimethylaminophenyl moiety.In some cases, the GRA is mifepristone. In some embodiments, the GRA isselected from the group consisting of11β-(4-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-17α-propynyl-17β-hydroxy-4,9estradien-3-one and(17α)-17-hydroxy-19-(4-methylphenyl)androsta-4,9(11)-dien-3-one. In someembodiments, the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist is(11β,17β)-11-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-17-hydroxy-17-(1-propynyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one.

In some embodiments, the GRA has a non-steroidal backbone. In somecases, the GRA backbone is a cyclohexyl pyrimidine. In some cases,wherein the cyclohexyl pyrimidine has the following formula:

the dashed line is absent or a bond; X is selected from the groupconsisting of O and S; R¹ is selected from the group consisting ofcycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl, optionallysubstituted with 1-3 R^(1a) groups; each R^(1a) is independentlyselected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl OR^(1b), halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆haloaloxy, OR^(1b), NR^(1b)R^(1c), C(O)R^(1b), C(O)OR^(1b), OC(O)R^(1b),C(O)NR^(1b)R^(1c), NR^(1b)C(O)R^(1c), SO₂R^(1b), SO₂NR^(1b)R^(1c),cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl; R^(1b) and R^(1c)are each independently selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₆alkyl; R² is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆alkyl-OR^(1b), C₁₋₆ alkyl NR^(1b)R^(1c) and C₁₋₆ alkyleneheterocycloalkyl; R³ is selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₆alkyl; Ar is aryl, optionally substituted with 1-4 R⁴ groups; each R⁴ isindependently selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, and C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy; L¹ is a bond orC₁₋₆ alkylene; and subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3, or salts andisomers thereof.

In some cases, the GRA backbone is a fused azadecalin. In some cases,the fused azadecalin is a compound having the following formula:

wherein L¹ and L² are members independently selected from a bond andunsubstituted alkylene; R¹ is a member selected from unsubstitutedalkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl,—OR^(1A), NR^(1C)R^(1D), —C(O)NR^(1c)R^(1D), and —C(O)OR^(1A), whereinR^(1A) is a member selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl, andunsubstituted heteroalkyl; R^(1c) and R^(1D) are members independentlyselected from unsubstituted alkyl and unsubstituted heteroalkyl, and areoptionally joined to form an unsubstituted ring with the nitrogen towhich they are attached, wherein said ring optionally comprises anadditional ring nitrogen. R² has the formula:

wherein R^(2G) is a member selected from hydrogen, halogen,unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, —CN, and —CF₃; J is phenyl;t is an integer from 0 to 5; X is —S(O₂)—; and R⁵ is phenyl optionallysubstituted with 1-5 R^(5A) groups, wherein R^(5A) is a member selectedfrom hydrogen, halogen, —OR^(5A1), S(O₂)NR^(5A2)R^(5A3), —CN, andunsubstituted alkyl, and R^(5A1) is a member selected from hydrogen andunsubstituted alkyl, and R^(5A2) and R^(5A3) are members independentlyselected from hydrogen and unsubstituted alkyl, or salts and isomersthereof.

In some cases, the GRA backbone is a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalinor an octahydro fused azadecalin. In some cases, the heteroaryl ketonefused azadecalin has the formula:

wherein R¹ is a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consistingof N, O and S, optionally substituted with 1-4 groups each independentlyselected from R^(1a); each R^(1a) is independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, CN, N-oxide, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈heterocycloalkyl; ring J is selected from the group consisting of acycloalkyl ring, a heterocycloalkyl ring, an aryl ring, and a heteroarylring, wherein the heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl rings have from 5 to 6ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selectedfrom the group consisting of N, O, and S; each R² is independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₆ haloalkyl, C₁ ₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkoxy, CN,OH, NR^(2a)R^(2b), C(O)R^(2a), C(O)OR^(2a), C(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b), SR^(2a),S(O)R^(2a), S(O)₂R^(2a), C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈ heterocycloalkyl,wherein the heterocycloalkyl groups are optionally substituted with 1-4R^(2c) groups; alternatively, two R² groups linked to the same carbonare combined to form an oxo group (═O); alternatively, two R² groups arecombined to form a heterocycloalkyl ring having from 5 to 6 ring membersand from 1 to 3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the groupconsisting of N, O, and S, wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring isoptionally substituted with 1-3 R^(2d) groups; R^(2a) and R^(2b) areeach independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen andC₁₋₆ alkyl; each R^(2c) is independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy,CN, and NR^(2a)R^(2b); each R^(2d) is independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆ alkyl, or two R^(2d) groupsattached to the same ring atom are combined to form (═O); R³ is selectedfrom the group consisting of phenyl and pyridyl, each optionallysubstituted with 1-4 R^(3a) groups; each R^(3a) is independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, and C₁₋₆haloalkyl; and subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3; or salts andisomers thereof.

In some cases, the octahydro fused azadecalin has the formula:

wherein R¹ is a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consistingof N, O, and S, optionally substituted with 1-4 groups eachindependently selected from R^(1a); each R^(1a) is independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen,C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, N-oxide, and C₃₋₈cycloalkyl; ring J is selected from the group consisting of an aryl ringand a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consisting of N,O, and S; each R² is independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆haloalkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkoxy, CN, OH, NR^(2a)R^(2b), C(O)R^(2a),C(O)OR^(2a), C(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b), SR^(2a), S(O)R^(2a), S(O)₂R^(2a), C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈ heterocycloalkyl having from 1 to 3 heteroatomseach independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S;alternatively, the two R² groups on adjacent ring atoms are combined toform a heterocycloalkyl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1to 3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group consistingof N, O, and S, wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is optionallysubstituted with 1-3 R^(2c) groups; R^(2a), R^(2b), and R^(2c) are eachindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆alkyl; each R^(3a) is independently halogen; and subscript n is aninteger from 0 to 3, or salts and isomers thereof.

In yet another aspect, provided herein is a diagnostic composition, or adiagnostic kit comprising a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) foruse in a method of differentially diagnosing adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome in a patient where the differentialdiagnosis is between ectopic ACTH syndrome and Cushing Disease, themethod comprising the step of determining the ACTH concentration ratiofrom a patient with Cushing's syndrome and an elevated ACTH level, wherethe patient has been administered a dose of glucocorticoid receptorantagonist (GRA) at least two hours prior to the removal of venoussamples and where the amount of GRA administered to the patient issufficient to increase ACTH from the pituitary gland by at least twofold in persons with normal Hypothalmus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA)function; wherein the ACTH concentration ratio is derived from the ACTHconcentrations in fluid obtained from either the left or right inferiorpetrosal venous sinus and from fluid obtained from a periphery venoussample; and wherein an ACTH concentration ratio of greater than 3 forthe ACTH concentration from the inferior venous sinus sample over theperiphery venous sinus sample is diagnostic indicative of Cushing'sdisease. In addition, all the embodiments in the first aspect describedabove are also included in this aspect of the disclosure.

In yet another aspect, provided here in is a method of obtaining ameasurement indicative of differential diagnosis of adrenocorticotropichormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome in a patient where thedifferential diagnosis is between ectopic ACTH syndrome and CushingDisease, the method comprising the step of: (i) determining the ACTHconcentration ratio from a patient with Cushing's syndrome and anelevated ACTH level, where the patient has been administered a dose ofglucocorticoid receptor antagonist (GRA) at least two hours prior to theremoval of venous samples and where the amount of GRA administered tothe patient is sufficient to increase ACTH from the pituitary gland byat least two fold in persons with norma Hypothalmus Pituitary Adrenal(HPA) function; wherein the ACTH concentration ratio is derived from theACTH concentrations in fluid obtained from either the left or rightinferior petrosal venous sinus and from fluid obtained from a peripheryvenous sample; and wherein an ACTH concentration ratio of greater than 3for the ACTH concentration from the inferior venous sinus sample overthe periphery venous sinus sample is indicative of Cushing's disease. Inaddition, all the embodiments in the first aspect described above arealso included in this aspect of the disclosure.

In yet another aspect, provided herein is a glucocorticoid receptorantagonist (GRA) for use in a method of differentially diagnosingadrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome in apatient where the differential diagnosis is between ectopic ACTHsyndrome and Cushing Disease, the method comprising the steps of: (i)selecting a patient with Cushing's syndrome and also elevated ACTHlevels; (ii) administering a dose of the GRA sufficient to increase ACTHfrom the pituitary gland by at least two fold in persons with normalHypothalmus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) function; (iii) waiting for at leasttwo hours; and (iv) obtaining from the patient an ACTH concentrationratio wherein the ratio is derived from the ACTH concentrations in fluidobtained from either the left or right inferior petrosal venous sinusand from fluid obtained from a periphery venous sample; wherein an ACTHconcentration ratio of greater than 3 for the ACTH concentration fromthe inferior venous sinus sample over the periphery venous sinus sampleis diagnostic of Cushing's disease. In addition, all the embodiments inthe first aspect described above are also included in this aspect of thedisclosure.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will beapparent to one of skill in the art from the following detaileddescription and FIGURES.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Introduction

This invention involves the use of GRAs to provide a robust andreproducible means to stimulate ACTH production in the pituitary glandfor the differential diagnosis of patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing'ssyndrome, where the differential diagnosis is between ectopic ACTHsyndrome and Cushing Disease. GRAs are first administered, and bloodsamples are then taken by IPSS after sufficient time for the assessmentof ACTH levels.

The claimed methods have many advantages over the existing differentialdiagnosis methods, such as CRH-IPSS, DDAVP-IPSS and metyrapone-IPSS.First, the claimed methods are more robust compared to metyrapone-IPSS.GRAs used in the invention act to block cortisol binding to thereceptor—thus preventing cortisol from inhibiting ACTH production andresulting in increased ACTH production/secretion. Compared tometyrapone, which acts to block the cortisol synthesis pathway, GRAs'effect on ACTH stimulation is more direct, thus making the test resultsmore reliable. Second, compared to CRH/DDAVP-IPSS, the methods arecost-effective and convenient to use because GRAs are orally deliverableand less expensive than CRH to manufacture and store. Third, compared toCRH/DDAVP-IPSS, the method disclosed herein dispenses with the need tosample blood before the administration of GRAs, and thus reduces theduration of catheterization and minimizes complications associated withprolonged catheterization.

II. Definitions

The term “endogenous Cushing's syndrome” refers to a form of Cushing'ssyndrome, where the excess cortisol level is caused by the body's ownoverproduction of cortisol.

The term “Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushingssyndrome” refers to a form of endogenous Cushing's syndrome, which iscaused by abnormal production of ACTH. There are two major forms ofACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome: Cushing Disease (accounting for about80% of the cases) and ectopic ACTH syndrome (accounting for 20% of thecases).

The term “ACTH concentration ratio”, “ACTH ratio”, “pituitary toperiphery ACTH ratio”, or “central to periphery ACTH ratio” disclosedherein refers to the ratio between the amount, level, or concentrationof ACTH in the blood sample obtained from inferior petrosal sinus andthe blood sample obtained from the periphery veins. In one embodiment,the periphery vein is the jugular vein.

The term “prolactin concentration ratio”, “prolactin ratio”, “pituitaryto periphery prolactin ratio”, or “central to periphery prolactin ratio”disclosed herein refers to the ratio between the amount, level, orconcentration of prolactin in the blood sample obtained from inferiorpetrosal sinus and the blood sample obtained from the periphery veins.In one embodiment, the periphery vein is the jugular vein.

The term “differentially diagnosing” refers to the distinguishing of aparticular disease or condition from others that present similarsymptoms. A differential diagnostic method is a systematic diagnosticmethod used to identify the presence of a condition where multiplealternatives are possible. This method is essentially a process ofelimination or a process of obtaining information that shrinks the“probabilities” of candidate conditions to negligible levels. The methoduses evidence such as symptoms, test results, patient history, andmedical knowledge to adjust epistemic confidences in the mind of thediagnostician (or, for computerized or computer-assisted diagnosis, thesoftware of the system). Often each individual option of a possibledisease is called a differential diagnosis.

The term “ectopic ACTH syndrome” refers to the abnormal production ofACTH due to ectopic ACTH secretion by an extrapituitary tumor. Theseextrapituitary tumors frequently originate in lungs, but in some casesoriginate from the thymus, pancreas, adrenal gland or thyroid.

The term “Cushing Disease” refers to the condition in which thepituitary gland releases too much ACTH as a result of a tumor locatedin—or excess growth (hyperplasia) of—the pituitary gland. CushingDisease is a form of Cushing's syndrome.

The term “hypercortisolemia” refers a condition of having a higher thannormal amount of circulating cortisol.

The term “inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS)” refers to an invasiveprocedure performed to obtain blood samples from one or both petrosalvenous sinuses by inserting catheters in one or both inferior petrosalveins via the jugular or femoral veins. The petrosal venous sinus drainsthe pituitary via the cavernous sinus. Thus, samples obtained from IPSSare often analyzed and compared with the samples obtained from peripheryblood for the amount of a particular analyte to detect signs of adisease relating to the pituitary gland.

The term “jugular venous sampling” refers to an invasive procedureperformed to obtain blood samples from jugular veins (a periphery vein)by inserting catheters in the internal jugular vein via femoral veins.The tips of the catheters are typically advanced to the level of theangles of the mandible.

The term “periphery venous sinus sampling” refers to an invasiveprocedure performed to obtain blood samples from periphery veins bycatheterization. Non-limiting examples of periphery veins includeadrenal veins, high inferior vena cava, hepatic vein, azygos andhemiazygos veins, right atrium, right and left innominate and thymicveins, jugular veins, and both superior and middle thyroid veins.

The term “patient,” “individual”, or “subject” is used interchangeablyto refer to a human subject. In some cases, the individual is suspectedof having adrenal insufficiency.

The term “administering” includes oral administration, topical contact,administration as a suppository, intravenous, intraperitoneal,intramuscular, intralesional, intrathecal, intranasal, or subcutaneousadministration, or the implantation of a slow-release device, e.g., amini-osmotic pump, to a subject. Administration is by any route,including parenteral and transmucosal (e.g., buccal, sublingual,palatal, gingival, nasal, vaginal, rectal, or transdermal). Parenteraladministration includes, e.g., intravenous, intramuscular,intra-arteriole, intradermal, epicutaneous, subcutaneous,intraperitoneal, intraventricular, and intracranial. Other modes ofdelivery include, but are not limited to, the use of liposomalformulations, intravenous infusion, and transdermal patches.

The term “sample” refers to a biological sample obtained from a humansubject. The sample can be any cell, tissue or fluid from a humansubject. Samples can be subject to various treatment, storage orprocessing procedures before being analyzed according to the methodsdescribed herein. Generally, the terms “sample” or “samples” are notintended to be limited by their source, origin, manner of procurement,treatment, processing, storage or analysis, or any modification.

The term “cortisol” refers to a glucocorticoid hormone that is producedby the zona fasciculata of the adrenal gland.

The term “adrenocorticotropic hormone” or “ACTH” refers to apolypeptide-based hormone that is normally produced and secreted by theanterior pituitary gland.

ACTH stimulates secretion of cortisol and other glucocorticoids (GCs) byspecialized cells of the adrenal cortex. In healthy mammals, ACTHsecretion is tightly regulated. ACTH secretion is positively regulatedby corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which is released by thehypothalamus. ACTH secretion is negatively regulated by cortisol andother glucocorticoids.

The term “measuring the level,” in the context of cortisol, ACTH, orother steroids, refers determining, detecting, or quantitating theamount, level, or concentration of, for example, cortisol, ACTH or othersteroids in a sample obtained from a subject.

The term a “increase” or a “decrease” refers to a detectable positive ornegative change in quantity from a comparison control, e.g., anestablished standard control (such as an average level of cortisol in anormal, healthy subject who does not have hypercortisolemia). Anincrease is a positive change that is typically at least 5%, at least10%, or at least 20%, or 50%, or 100%, and can be as high as at least1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, or even 10-fold of thecontrol value. Similarly, a decrease is a negative change that istypically at least 5%, at least 10%, or at least 20%, 30%, or 50%, oreven as high as at least 80% or 90% of the control value. Other termsindicating quantitative changes or differences from a comparative basis,such as “more,” “less,” ‘higher,” and “lower,” are used in thisapplication in the same fashion as described above.

The term “normal reference value”, “reference value”, or “standardcontrol level” refers to the a predetermined amount, level, orconcentration of a particular analyte, e.g., ACTH, cortisol, orprolactin—by comparison to which a diagnosis of the presence or absenceof a particular condition can be made, e.g., hypercortisolemia. Normalreference values referred to in this disclosure are in some casesprovided by the commercial test that is used to determine the analytelevels. In some cases, a normal reference value, reference value, orstandard control level is established as the average of the amount,level, or concentration of an analyte from one or more normal, healthysubjects, e.g., subjects who have normal HPA function. In some cases,they are established as a range of the level, amount, or concentrationof the analyte in a group of healthy subjects. Normal reference valuesmay vary depending on the nature of the sample, the manner or timing ofsample collection, as well as other factors such as the sex, age, andethnicity of the subjects for whom such a control value is established.

The term “elevated level”, “elevated amount”, or “elevatedconcentration” refers to the level or amount of the analyte that ishigher than the normal reference value for that analyte.

The term “chromatography” refers to a process in which a chemicalmixture carried by a liquid or gas is separated into components as aresult of the differential distribution of the chemical entities as theyflow around or over a stationary liquid or solid phase.

The term “liquid chromatography” or “LC” refers to a process ofselective retardation of one or more components of a fluid solution whenthe fluid uniformly percolates either through a column of a finelydivided substance or through capillary passageways. The retardationresults from the distribution of the components of the mixture betweenone or more stationary phases and the bulk fluid, (i.e., mobile phase),as this fluid moves relative to the stationary phase(s). Examples of“liquid chromatography” include reverse phase liquid chromatography(RPLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and turbulentflow liquid chromatography (TFLC) (sometimes known as high turbulenceliquid chromatography (HTLC) or high throughput liquid chromatography).

The term “high performance liquid chromatography” or “HPLC” (alsosometimes known as “high pressure liquid chromatography”) refers toliquid chromatography in which the degree of separation is increased byforcing the mobile phase under pressure through a stationaryphase—typically a densely packed column. As used herein, the term “ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography”, “HPLC” or “UHPLC” (sometimesknown as “ultra high pressure liquid chromatography”) refers to HPLCwhich occurs at much higher pressures than in traditional HPLCtechniques.

The term “glucocorticosteroid” (“GC”) or “glucocorticoid” refers to asteroid hormone that binds to a glucocorticoid receptor.Glucocorticosteroids are typically characterized by having 21 carbonatoms, an α,β-unsaturated ketone in ring A, and an α-ketol groupattached to ring D. They differ in the extent of oxygenation orhydroxylation at C-11, C-17, and C-19; see Rawn, “Biosynthesis andTransport of Membrane Lipids and Formation of Cholesterol Derivatives,”in Biochemistry, Daisy et al. (eds.), 1989, pg. 567.

The term “glucocorticoid receptor” (“GR”) refers to the type II GR whichspecifically binds to cortisol and/or cortisol analogs such asdexamethasone; See, e.g., Turner & Muller, J Mol. Endocrinol, 2005 (35):283-292. The GR is also referred to as the cortisol receptor. The termincludes isoforms of GR, recombinant GR and mutated GR. Inhibitionconstants (K_(i)) against the human GR receptor type II (Genbank:P04150) are between 0.0001 nM and 1,000 nM; preferably between 0.0005 nMand 10 nM, and most preferably between 0.001 nM and 1 nM.

The term “glucocorticoid receptor antagonist” or “GRA” refers to anycomposition or compound which partially or completely inhibits(antagonizes) the binding of a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist,such as cortisol, or cortisol analogs, synthetic or natural, to a GR. A“specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonist” refers to any compositionor compound which inhibits any biological response associated with thebinding of a GR to an agonist. By “specific,” the drug preferentiallybinds to the GR rather than to other nuclear receptors, such as themineralocorticoid receptor (MR), androgen receptor (AR), or progesteronereceptor (PR). It is preferred that the specific glucocorticoid receptorantagonist binds GR with an affinity that is 10× greater ( 1/10^(th) theK_(d) value) than its affinity to the MR, AR, or PR, both the MR and PR,both the MR and AR, both the AR and PR, or to the MR, AR, and PR. In amore preferred embodiment, the specific glucocorticoid receptorantagonist binds a GR with an affinity that is 100× greater ( 1/100^(th)the K_(d) value) than its affinity to the MR, AR, or PR, both the MR andPR, both the MR and AR, both the AR and PR, or to the MR, AR, and PR.

The term “selective inhibitor” in the context of a glucocorticoidreceptor refers to a chemical compound that selectively interferes withthe binding of a specific glucocorticoid receptor agonist and aglucocorticoid receptor.

The term “steroidal backbone” in the context of glucocorticoid receptorantagonists containing such refers to glucocorticoid receptorantagonists that contain modifications of the basic structure ofcortisol, an endogenous steroidal glucocorticoid receptor ligand. Thebasic structure of a steroidal backbone is provided as Formula I:

The two most commonly known classes of structural modifications of thecortisol steroid backbone to create glucocorticoid antagonists includemodifications of the 11-β hydroxy group and modification of the 17-βside chain (See, e. g., Lefebvre (1989) J. Steroid Biochem. 33:557-563).

As used herein, the term “non-steroidal backbone” in the context ofglucocorticoid receptor antagonists containing such refers toglucocorticoid receptor antagonists that do not share structuralhomology to, or are not modifications of, cortisol. Such compoundsinclude synthetic mimetics and analogs of proteins, including partiallypeptidic, pseudopeptidic, and non-peptidic molecular entities.

Non-steroidal GRA compounds also include glucocorticoid receptorantagonists having a cyclohexyl-pyrimidine backbone, a fused azadecalinbackbone, a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin backbone, or an octahydrofused azadecalin backbone. Exemplary glucocorticoid receptor antagonistshaving a cyclohexyl-pyrimidine backbone include those described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,685,973. Exemplary GRAs having a fused azadecalin backboneinclude those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,928,237 and 8,461,172.Exemplary GRAs having a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin backboneinclude those described in U.S. Pat. Pub. 2014/0038926. Exemplary GRAshaving an octohydro fused azadecalin backbone include those described inU.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/908,333, entitled Octahydro FusedAzadecalin Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators, filed on Nov. 25, 2013.

Where substituent groups are specified by their conventional chemicalformulae, written from left to right, they equally encompass thechemically identical substituents that would result from writing thestructure from right to left, e.g., —CH₂O— is equivalent to —OCH₂—.

“Alkyl” refers to a straight or branched, saturated, aliphatic radicalhaving the number of carbon atoms indicated. Alkyl can include anynumber of carbons, such as C₁₋₂, C₁₋₃, C₁₋₄, C₁₋₅, C₁₋₆, C₁₋₇, C₁₋₈,C₁₋₉, C₁₋₁₀, C₂₋₃, C₂₋₄, C₂₋₅, C₂₋₆, C₃₋₄, C₃₋₅, C₃₋₆, C₄₋₅, C₄₋₆, andC₅₋₆. For example, C₁₋₆ alkyl includes, but is not limited to, methyl,ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl,pentyl, isopentyl, and hexyl.

“Alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group having an oxygen atom that connectsthe alkyl group to the point of attachment: alkyl-O—. As for the alkylgroup, alkoxy groups can have any suitable number of carbon atoms, suchas C₁-6. Alkoxy groups include, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy,iso-propoxy, butoxy, 2-butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy,pentoxy, hexoxy, etc.

“Halogen” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine.

“Haloalkyl” refers to alkyl, as defined above, where some or all of thehydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. As for the alkyl group,haloalkyl groups can have any suitable number of carbon atoms, such asC₁₋₆, and include trifluoromethyl, fluoromethyl, etc.

The term “perfluoro” can be used to define a compound or radical whereall the hydrogens are replaced with fluorine. For example,perfluoromethane includes 1,1,1-trifluoromethyl.

“Haloalkoxy” refers to an alkoxy group where some or all of the hydrogenatoms are substituted with halogen atoms. As for the alkyl group,haloalkoxy groups can have any suitable number of carbon atoms, such asC₁₋₆. The alkoxy groups can be substituted with 1, 2, 3, or morehalogens. When all the hydrogens are replaced with a halogen, forexample by fluorine, the compounds are per-substituted, for example,perfluorinated. Haloalkoxy includes, but is not limited to,trifluoromethoxy, 2,2,2,-trifluoroethoxy, and perfluoroethoxy.

“Cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated or partially unsaturated, monocyclic,fused bicyclic, or bridged polycyclic ring assembly containing from 3 to12 ring atoms, or the number of atoms indicated. Cycloalkyl can includeany number of carbons, such as C₃₋₆, C₄₋₆, C₅₋₆, C₃₋₈, C₄₋₈, C₅₋₈, C₆₋₈,C₃₋₉, C₃₋₁₀, C₃₋₁₁, and C₃₋₁₂. Saturated monocyclic cycloalkyl ringsinclude, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,and cyclooctyl. Saturated bicyclic and polycyclic cycloalkyl ringsinclude, for example, norbornane, [2.2.2]bicyclooctane,decahydronaphthalene, and adamantane. Cycloalkyl groups can also bepartially unsaturated, having one or more double or triple bonds in thering. Representative cycloalkyl groups that are partially unsaturatedinclude, but are not limited to, cyclobutene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene,cyclohexadiene (1,3- and 1,4-isomers), cycloheptene, cycloheptadiene,cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene (1,3-, 1,4- and 1,5-isomers), norbornene,and norbornadiene. When cycloalkyl is a saturated monocyclic C₃₋₈cycloalkyl, exemplary groups include, but are not limited to,cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, andcyclooctyl. When cycloalkyl is a saturated monocyclic C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl,exemplary groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl.

“Heterocycloalkyl” refers to a saturated ring system having from 3 to 12ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms of N, O, and S. Additionalheteroatoms can also be useful, including but not limited to, B, Al, Si,and P. The heteroatoms can also be oxidized, such as, but not limitedto, —S(O)— and —S(O)₂—. Heterocycloalkyl groups can include any numberof ring atoms, such as 3 to 6, 4 to 6, 5 to 6, 3 to 8, 4 to 8, 5 to 8, 6to 8, 3 to 9, 3 to 10, 3 to 11, or 3 to 12 ring members. Any suitablenumber of heteroatoms can be included in the heterocycloalkyl groups,such as 1, 2, 3, or 4, or 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 2 to 3, 2 to 4, or 3to 4. The heterocycloalkyl group can include groups such as aziridine,azetidine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, azepane, azocane, quinuclidine,pyrazolidine, imidazolidine, piperazine (1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-isomers),oxirane, oxetane, tetrahydrofuran, oxane (tetrahydropyran), oxepane,thiirane, thietane, thiolane (tetrahydrothiophene), thiane(tetrahydrothiopyran), oxazolidine, isoxalidine, thiazolidine,isothiazolidine, dioxolane, dithiolane, morpholine, thiomorpholine,dioxane, or dithiane. The heterocycloalkyl groups can also be fused toaromatic or non-aromatic ring systems to form members including, but notlimited to, indoline.

When heterocycloalkyl includes 3 to 8 ring members and 1 to 3heteroatoms, representative members include, but are not limited to,pyrrolidine, piperidine, tetrahydrofuran, oxane, tetrahydrothiophene,thiane, pyrazolidine, imidazolidine, piperazine, oxazolidine,isoxazolidine, thiazolidine, isothiazolidine, morpholine,thiomorpholine, dioxane and dithiane. Heterocycloalkyl can also form aring having 5 to 6 ring members and 1 to 2 heteroatoms, withrepresentative members including, but not limited to, pyrrolidine,piperidine, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrothiophene, pyrazolidine,imidazolidine, piperazine, oxazolidine, isoxazolidine, thiazolidine,isothiazolidine, and morpholine.

“Aryl” refers to an aromatic ring system having any suitable number ofring atoms and any suitable number of rings. Aryl groups can include anysuitable number of ring atoms, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, or 16 ring atoms, as well as from 6 to 10, 6 to 12, or 6 to 14 ringmembers. Aryl groups can be monocyclic, fused to form bicyclic ortricyclic groups, or linked by a bond to form a biaryl group.Representative aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl and biphenyl. Otheraryl groups include benzyl, that has a methylene linking group. Somearyl groups have from 6 to 12 ring members, such as phenyl, naphthyl, orbiphenyl. Other aryl groups have from 6 to 10 ring members, such asphenyl or naphthyl. Some other aryl groups have 6 ring members, such asphenyl. Aryl groups can be substituted or unsubstituted.

“Heteroaryl” refers to a monocyclic, fused bicyclic, or tricyclicaromatic ring assembly containing 5 to 16 ring atoms, where from 1 to 5of the ring atoms are a heteroatom such as N, O, or S. Additionalheteroatoms can also be useful, including but not limited to, B, Al, Si,and P. The heteroatoms can also be oxidized, such as, but not limitedto, N-oxide, —S(O)—, and —S(O)₂—. Heteroaryl groups can include anynumber of ring atoms, such as 3 to 6, 4 to 6, 5 to 6, 3 to 8, 4 to 8, 5to 8, 6 to 8, 3 to 9, 3 to 10, 3 to 11, or 3 to 12 ring members. Anysuitable number of heteroatoms can be included in the heteroaryl groups,such as 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; or 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 3, 2to 4, 2 to 5, 3 to 4, or 3 to 5. Heteroaryl groups can have from 5 to 8ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms, or from 5 to 8 ring membersand from 1 to 3 heteroatoms, or from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4heteroatoms, or from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms.The heteroaryl group can include groups such as pyrrole, pyridine,imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, tetrazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine,pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4-, and 1,3,5-isomers), thiophene,furan, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, and isoxazole. The heteroarylgroups can also be fused to aromatic ring systems, such as a phenylring, to form members including, but not limited to, benzopyrroles suchas indole and isoindole, benzopyridines such as quinoline andisoquinoline, benzopyrazine (quinoxaline), benzopyrimidine(quinazoline), benzopyridazines such as phthalazine and cinnoline,benzothiophene, and benzofuran. Other heteroaryl groups includeheteroaryl rings linked by a bond, such as bipyridine. Heteroaryl groupscan be substituted or unsubstituted.

The heteroaryl groups can be linked via any position on the ring. Forexample, pyrrole includes 1-, 2-, and 3-pyrrole; pyridine includes 2-,3- and 4-pyridine; imidazole includes 1-, 2-, 4- and 5-imidazole;pyrazole includes 1-, 3-, 4- and 5-pyrazole; triazole includes 1-, 4-and 5-triazole; tetrazole includes 1- and 5-tetrazole; pyrimidineincludes 2-, 4-, 5- and 6-pyrimidine; pyridazine includes 3- and4-pyridazine; 1,2,3-triazine includes 4- and 5-triazine; 1,2,4-triazineincludes 3-, 5- and 6-triazine; 1,3,5-triazine includes 2-triazine;thiophene includes 2- and 3-thiophene; furan includes 2- and 3-furan;thiazole includes 2-, 4- and 5-thiazole; isothiazole includes 3-, 4- and5-isothiazole; oxazole includes 2-, 4- and 5-oxazole; isoxazole includes3-, 4- and 5-isoxazole; indole includes 1-, 2- and 3-indole; isoindoleincludes 1- and 2-isoindole; quinoline includes 2-, 3- and 4-quinoline;isoquinoline includes 1-, 3- and 4-isoquinoline; quinazoline includes 2-and 4-quinoazoline; cinnoline includes 3- and 4-cinnoline;benzothiophene includes 2- and 3-benzothiophene; and benzofuran includes2- and 3-benzofuran.

Some heteroaryl groups include those having from 5 to 10 ring membersand from 1 to 3 ring atoms including N, O, or S, such as pyrrole,pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine,pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-isomers), thiophene,furan, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, indole, isoindole,quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, phthalazine,cinnoline, benzothiophene, and benzofuran. Other heteroaryl groupsinclude those having from 5 to 8 ring members and from 1 to 3heteroatoms, such as pyrrole, pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole, triazole,pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and1,3,5-isomers), thiophene, furan, thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, andisoxazole. Some other heteroaryl groups include those having from 9 to12 ring members and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms, such as indole, isoindole,quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, phthalazine,cinnoline, benzothiophene, benzofuran and bipyridine. Still otherheteroaryl groups include those having from 5 to 6 ring members and from1 to 2 ring heteroatoms including N, O or S, such as pyrrole, pyridine,imidazole, pyrazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, thiophene, furan,thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, and isoxazole.

Some heteroaryl groups include from 5 to 10 ring members and onlynitrogen heteroatoms, such as pyrrole, pyridine, imidazole, pyrazole,triazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and1,3,5-isomers), indole, isoindole, quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline,quinazoline, phthalazine, and cinnoline. Other heteroaryl groups includefrom 5 to 10 ring members and only oxygen heteroatoms, such as furan andbenzofuran. Some other heteroaryl groups include from 5 to 10 ringmembers and only sulfur heteroatoms, such as thiophene andbenzothiophene. Still other heteroaryl groups include from 5 to 10 ringmembers and at least two heteroatoms, such as imidazole, pyrazole,triazole, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, triazine (1,2,3-, 1,2,4- and1,3,5-isomers), thiazole, isothiazole, oxazole, isoxazole, quinoxaline,quinazoline, phthalazine, and cinnoline.

“Heteroatoms” refers to O, S, or N.

“Salt” refers to acid or base salts of the compounds used in the methodsof the present invention. Illustrative examples ofpharmaceutically-acceptable salts are mineral acid (hydrochloric acid,hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, and the like) salts, organic acid(acetic acid, propionic acid, glutamic acid, citric acid, and the like)salts, and quaternary ammonium (methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, and thelike) salts. It is understood that the pharmaceutically-acceptable saltsare non-toxic. Additional information on suitablepharmaceutically-acceptable salts can be found in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa.,1985, which is incorporated herein by reference.

“Isomers” refers to compounds with the same chemical formula but whichare structurally distinguishable.

“Tautomer” refers to one of two or more structural isomers which existin equilibrium and which are readily converted from one form to another.

Descriptions of compounds of the present invention are limited byprinciples of chemical bonding known to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, where a group may be substituted by one or more of a numberof substituents, such substitutions are selected so as to comply withprinciples of chemical bonding and to produce compounds which are notinherently unstable—and/or would be known to one of ordinary skill inthe art as likely to be unstable under ambient conditions—such asaqueous, neutral, or physiological conditions.

“Pharmaceutically-acceptable excipient” and “pharmaceutically-acceptablecarrier” refer to a substance that aids the administration of an activeagent to—and absorption by—a subject and can be included in thecompositions of the present invention without causing a significantadverse toxicological effect on the patient. Non-limiting examples ofpharmaceutically-acceptable excipients include water, NaCl, normalsaline solutions, lactated Ringer's, normal sucrose, normal glucose,binders, fillers, disintegrants, lubricants, coatings, sweeteners,flavors and colors, and the like. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that other pharmaceutical excipients are useful in the presentinvention.

III. Detailed Descriptions of Embodiments

A. Method For Differential Diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing'sSyndrome

1. Selecting Patients Having ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome

The methods disclosed herein is used to provide differential diagnosisbetween Cushing Disease and ectopic ACTH syndrome to patients who havealready been diagnosed as having ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Adiagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome can be made based onobservation of certain clinical symptoms, the detection ofhypercortisolemia and elevated blood ACTH levels.

a. Clinical Symptoms

Eligible patients may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:easy bruising; abdominal obesity and thin arms and legs; facialplethora; acne; proximal myopathy (or proximal muscle weakness); striae(especially if reddish purple and 1 cm wide); and thin skin. Patientsmay also frequently feel changes in mood; change in appetite, headaches;a chronic feeling of tiredness; osteoporosis; low potassium; diabetes,and high blood pressure; decreased concentration peripheral edemahypokalemia; decreased libido acne kidney stones; impaired memory(especially short term); and unusual infections. Females patients mayhave irregular menstruation, hirsutism, or female balding. Pediatricpatients may have weight gain with decreasing growth velocity; abnormalgenital virilization; short stature; and pseudoprecocious puberty ordelayed puberty. The next step is to confirm these patients havehypercortisolemia.

b Hypercortisolemia

A diagnosis of hypercortisolemia requires the determination of thepatient's circulating cortisol level. Various types of samples that canbe used for this purpose, such as saliva, urine, whole blood, serum, andplasma. Samples may also be collected at different time during the day.In one approach, the patient's whole blood sample is collected andprocessed to collect serum, i.e., in the morning, e.g., at 8 am. or inthe afternoon, e.g., at 4 pm. The collected serum sample is refrigeratedor frozen within, e.g., 2 hours of collection. Analysis of the serumsample is performed in a timely fashion, e.g. within 7 days from samplecollection. In another approach, the patient's cortisol levels aremeasured from his or her saliva samples. Salivary cortisol is inequilibrium with the free cortisol in blood circulation. Changes ofcortisol levels in the bloodstream are paralleled, within minutes, bysimilar alterations in salivary cortisol concentrations, such that onecan use the latter as a surrogate of the former. The commonly usedsaliva-based cortisol test is the midnight saliva test, which measurescortisol levels from saliva samples collected at between 11 pm andmidnight. Intake of food or drink is prohibited at least 15 minutesprior to sample collection. Saliva samples are collected by keeping androlling a swab in mouth for approximately 2 minutes. The saliva samples,ambient or refrigerated, are then sent to a laboratory for cortisollevel determination in a timely fashion, e.g., within 7 days from samplecollection.

Methods for measuring cortisol levels are known to those in the art.Useful assays include immunoassays, e.g., competitive immunoassay,radioimmunoassay, immunofluorometric enzyme assay, and ELISA,competitive protein-binding assay and mass spectrometry, e.g.,high-performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole-massspectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Commercial kits for measuring cortisol insamples are available from Beckman-Coulter, Seimens, Roche Diagnostics,and the like. Non-limiting examples of cortisol tests are Mayo Clinic'sSALCT, CORT, CORTU, and CINP tests; an ADVIA Centaur® Cortisol assay(Siemens Healthcare Global); ARCHITECT i2000SR cortisol (Abbott);Immulite® 2000 Cortisol assay (Siemans Healthcare Global; #L2KCO2),Vitros® ECi Cortisol assay (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics; #107 4053), andElecsys® Cortisol Immunoassay (Roche Molecular Diagnostics;#11875116160).

The patient's cortisol measurement is then compared with the normalreference value; a level higher than the normal reference valueindicates the patient has hypercortisolemia. The normal reference valuesfor cortisol levels vary depending on the nature of the samples, themanner and timing of sample collection (higher for samples collected inthe morning and lower for samples collected at night), and the detectionmethod. Thus, it is essential to interpret test results in the contextof the appropriate normal reference values. Various commercial kitsprovide the normal reference values in testing protocols. For example,normal reference values for the Mayo Clinic's SALCT test that determinescortisol level in saliva is <100 ng/dL; a saliva cortisol level higherthan 100 ng/dL is thus an indication of hypercortisolemia. After beingdiagnosed with hypercortisolemia, the patient is subject to additionaltests to confirm the presence of Cushing's syndrome.

c Cushing's Syndrome

At least one, preferably two or more, of the following tests areperformed to diagnose Cushing's syndrome: 1) dexamethasone suppressiontest, which documents a loss of feedback inhibition of cortisol on thehypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; 2) 24-hour Urine FreeCortisol test, which assesses cortisol secretion in a 24-hour period;and 3) midnight salivary cortisol, which evaluates the loss of normaldiurnal variation in cortisol secretion. If two of the three tests showabnormal cortisol levels, the Cushing's syndrome is confirmed.

The dexamethasone suppression test is typically used as a screen testfor Cushing's syndrome. Dexamethasone is an exogenous steroid that bindsglucocorticoid receptors in the anterior pituitary gland. When healthyindividuals are treated with a low dose (1-2 mg) of dexamethasone,binding of dexamethasone to the glucocorticoid receptors providesnegative feedback to the pituitary gland and results in suppression ofACTH secretion. The suppression of ACTH secretion, in turn, results insuppression of cortisol release and therefore a detectable decrease incortisol level in circulation. In contrast, when patients havingCushing's syndrome are treated with a low dose of dexamethasone, no orlittle decrease in cortisol levels can be detected because of theexcessive cortisol production associated with the disease. In oneapproach, the dexamethasone suppression test is performed byadministering a low dose of dexamethasone, e.g., 1 mg, the night beforeat, e.g., 11 pm. The next morning, e.g., between 8-9 am; the patient'sblood is then sampled and serum cortisol levels measured. Since normalsubjects typically have serum cortisol levels reduced to less than 1.8mg/dl, a serum cortisol level of more than 1.8 mg/dL is indicative ofthe presence of Cushing's syndrome.

The 24-hour Urine Free Cortisol test is the gold standard for diagnosingCushing's syndrome. This test uses the principle that cortisolproduction is increased with Cushing's syndrome, and measurements ofurinary excretion provide an integral estimate of that increase. Aresult more than the normal reference values is indicative of thepresence of Cushing's syndrome. A 3 to 4-fold increase over normalreference values provides definite diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome; ifthis increase is present, no additional testing is required to confirmthe diagnosis. For less dramatic increases in the urinary free-cortisol(UFC) level, other tests, such as the overnight dexamethasonesuppression test and the midnight salivary cortisol test, as describedabove, are required.

The midnight saliva test is another test commonly used to confirmCushing's syndrome. See the description of the test in the sectionabove.

If the patient is confirmed to have Cushing's syndrome by two of thethree tests, or by the detection of a 3 to 4-fold cortisol levelincrease in the 24-hour Urine Free Cortisol test, the next step is tomeasure ACTH to confirm he or she has ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.

d ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome

There are two kinds of endogenous Cushing's syndrome: ACTH-dependent andACTH-independent. The high cortisol level associated with ACTH-dependentCushing's syndrome is caused by the overproduction of ACTH from a tumor,e.g., a pituitary tumor or an extrapituitary tumor. The excess cortisollevel associated with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome, on the otherhand, is caused by the overproduction of cortisol by a tumor in theadrenal gland or the overgrowth of the adrenal gland—either of whichinhibits ACTH production and release. Thus, the ACTH levels are high inpatients having ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome but low or evenundetectable in patients having ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome.

The biological samples that are suitable for ACTH determination can beserum, plasma, saliva, urine, or any other biological fluid taken from asubject. The sample can be the same or different from the sample usedfor cortisol level measurement. In some cases, the same sample that isused to measure cortisol level can be used to measure ACTH level. Inother cases, different samples are used to measure cortisol and ACTHlevels. For example, the cortisol levels can be measured in saliva andthe ACTH levels can be measured in plasma. In yet other cases, differentsamples of the same type are used to measure the levels.

The level of ACTH can be measured using various methods, including butnot limited to, immunoassays, e.g., competitive immunoassay,radioimmunoassay, immunofluorometric enzyme assay, and ELISA;competitive protein-binding assays; liquid chromatography (e.g., HPLC);and mass spectrometry, e.g., high-performance liquidchromatography/triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).Commercial kits for measuring ACTH are readily available, e.g., fromMayo clinic (Test ID: ACTH), Siemans Healthcare Global (Immulite® 2000ACTH assay), and Roche Molecular Diagnostics (Catalog No. 03255751190).

A plasma ACTH concentration higher than the normal reference valueindicates that the patient has ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Normalreference values vary depending on the assay method, type of sample, andtiming of sample collection; like cortisol, ACTH in healthy individualsvaries during a 24-hour period, reaching its highest level in themorning around 6-8 am and lowest at night around 11 pm. Variouscommercial kits provide the normal reference values in their testingprotocols. For example, the normal reference values for Mayo Clinic TestID: ACTH are about 10-60 pg/mL.

Patients diagnosed with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome are selected,and the differential diagnosis performed as described below.

2. Method of Differential Diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome

The differential diagnosis method uses GRAs to discriminate betweenCushing Disease and ectopic ACTH Cushing's syndrome, the two major formsof ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. GRAs prevent cortisol frominhibiting both the CRH production in the hypothalamus and ACTHproduction in the pituitary gland through a negative feedbackinteraction, resulting in increased ACTH production and release.Patients with Cushing Disease have ACTH-producing tumors in thepituitary gland and thus will have a higher increase in ACTH levelaround the pituitary region than the periphery region (outside thepituitary region). In contrast, patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome havethe tumor growing outside the pituitary gland and thus will have ahigher ACTH increase in the periphery than around the pituitary region.Thus a pituitary-to-periphery ratio can be used to discriminate betweenthe two major types of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.

a Administration of GRA

GRA is administered at a dosage that is sufficient to increase ACTH inthe pituitary gland by at least two fold in persons with normal HPAfunctions. In one embodiment, the GRA is mifepristone. In oneembodiment, mifepristone is administered orally to the patient. In oneembodiment, the mifepristone is administered at 300-1500 mg. In oneembodiment, the GRA is administered at 11 pm the night before IPSS.

b. IPSS

The pituitary ACTH is measured from the blood sample obtained from theleft, right, or both inferior petrosal sinuses (IPSs), which drain thepituitary gland. The periphery ACTH level is determined from the bloodsample from a periphery vein. The procedure of sampling from inferiorpetrosal sinuses (known as IPSS) and the periphery is typicallyperformed by an interventional radiologist.

IPSS is typically performed in the morning after administration of GRA,e.g., between 8 and 10 am, by advancing one or two microcatheters fromthe femoral vein up to one or both inferior petrosal sinuses. Meanwhile,another microcatheter is advanced to a periphery vein, e.g., the jugularvein. Venogram, or a digital venography, which documents the position ofthe catheters, is used to ensure the proper placement of the catheter;sampling begins only after confirming the microcatheter is positionedwell in the IPS. Two samplings are made, at 5-10 minutes apart, bydrawing blood simultaneously from the IPSs and the jugular vein at eachsampling. Samples obtained are immediately placed in EDTA-containingtubes on ice. In some cases, an IPSS is performed only on one sinus,i.e., the left or right sinus. In some cases, the IPSS is performed forboth sinuses (BIPSS). BIPSS provides values of ACTH from both right andleft sinuses, a comparison of which provides useful information as towhich side of the pituitary gland the tumor is located.

c. Diagnosis Based on the Central-to-Peripheral ACTH Ratio withReference to Prolactin

The central-to-periphery ratio is the basis for the diagnosis; howeverthe IPSS requires high level of expertise; since anomalous venousdrainage, e.g., misplacement of the catheter tip when sampling theinferior petrosal sinus, may cause false negative results. In additionto IPSS venogram (described above), prolactin—which is also secreted bypituitary gland and circulated to the periphery—is often used as amarker for successful catheterization during IPSS. Prolactin levels areassessed from the same blood samples that are used for the ACTHanalysis. A ratio of the central to periphery prolactin of more than 1.8indicates successful catheterization.

Methods for measuring prolactin are known in the art. Useful assaysinclude immunoassays, e.g., competitive immunoassay, radioimmunoassay,immunofluorometric enzyme assay, and ELISA; competitive protein-bindingassay; and mass spectrometry, e.g., high-performance liquidchromatography/triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).Commercial kits for measuring prolactin are also readily available,e.g., from Abcam (Catalog #ab108655), R&D systems (Human ProlactinQuantikine ELISA Kit), and Cayman Chemical (Prolactin EIA Kit).

ACTH levels are determined using the methods described above. Thepatient's ACTH levels from one or both inferior petrosal sinuses arethen compared with the ACTH levels in the periphery blood, and thepetrosal sinus-to-periphery ACTH ratios are then determined. If thepatient's inferior petrosal to periphery prolactin ratio is less than1.8 (especially if less than 1.5)—an indication that the catheterizationwas improper—no diagnosis can be made and a new IPSS may need to beperformed. If the patient's inferior petrosal-to-periphery prolactinratio is more than 1.8 and the inferior petrosal-to-periphery ACTH ratiois greater than 3, he or she is then diagnosed as having CushingDisease. If the patient's inferior petrosal-to-periphery prolactin ratiois more than 1.8 and the inferior petrosal-to periphery-ACTH ratio isless than 3, he or she is then diagnosed as having ectopic ACTHsyndrome.

B. Establishing a Standard Control Level

As disclosed above, the differential diagnosis of ACTH dependentCushing's syndrome involves comparisons of measurements of differenthormones, e.g., prolactin, ACTH, and cortisol, with their respectivenormal reference values. In most cases, normal reference values, orstandard control levels, are provided in the commercial kits that areused for the testing. Depending on circumstances, it may be necessary insome cases to establish a standard control level for the diagnosis. Inorder to establish a standard control for a particular sample type(e.g., a saliva sample, urine sample, plasma sample, or serum sample)for practicing the method of this disclosure, a group of healthysubjects, such as a group of subjects who do not have adrenalinsufficiency, is selected. These individuals are within the appropriateparameters, if applicable, for the purpose of diagnosing adrenalinsufficiency using the methods of the present invention. For instance,the individuals may be of similar age, gender, and comparable healthstatus. Optionally, the individuals are of similar ethnic background.

The healthy status of the selected individuals can be confirmed bywell-established, routinely employed methods, including but not limitedto, general physical examination of the individuals and general reviewof their medical history.

Furthermore, the selected group of healthy individual must be of areasonable size, such that the average amount, level, or concentrationof cortisol, ACTH, or other steroid in the biological sample obtainedfrom the group can be reasonably regarded as representative of thenormal or average level among the general population of healthyindividuals who do not experience adrenal insufficiency. Preferably, theselected group comprises at least 10 normal, healthy human subjects.

Once an average value of cortisol, ACTH, or other steroid is establishedon the individual values found in each subject of the selected healthycontrol group, this average, median, or representative value or profileis considered a standard control level. A standard deviation is alsodetermined during the same process. In some cases, separate standardcontrol levels may be established for separately defined groups havingdistinct characteristics such as age, sex or ethnic background.

C. Glucocorticoid Receptor Antagonists

The methods of the present invention generally provide administering aGRA. In some cases, the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist is a specificGRA. As used herein, a specific glucocorticoid receptor antagonistrefers to a composition or compound which inhibits any biologicalresponse associated with the binding of a glucocorticoid receptor to anagonist by preferentially binding to the glucocorticoid receptor ratherthan to another nuclear receptor (NR). In some embodiments, the specificGRA binds preferentially to the glucocorticoid receptor rather than themineralocorticoid receptor (MR), androgen receptor (AR), or progesteronereceptor (PR). In an exemplary embodiment, the specific GRA bindspreferentially to glucocorticoid receptor rather than themineralocorticoid receptor (MR). In another exemplary embodiment, thespecific GRA binds preferentially to the glucocorticoid receptor ratherthan the progesterone receptor (PR). In another exemplary embodiment,the specific GRA binds preferentially to the glucocorticoid receptorrather than the androgen receptor (AR). In yet another exemplaryembodiment, the specific GRA binds preferentially to the glucocorticoidreceptor in comparison to MR and PR, MR and AR, PR and AR, or MR, PR,and AR.

In a related embodiment, the specific GRA binds to the glucocorticoidreceptor with an association constant (K_(d)) that is at least 10-foldless than the K_(d) for other nuclear receptors. In another embodiment,the specific GRA binds to the glucocorticoid receptor with anassociation constant (K_(d)) that is at least 100-fold less than theK_(d) for the other nuclear receptors. In another embodiment, thespecific GRA binds to the glucocorticoid receptor with an associationconstant (K_(d)) that is at least 1000-fold less than the K_(d) for theother nuclear receptors.

Generally, treatment can be provided by administering an effectiveamount of a GRA of any chemical structure or mechanism of action and aglucocorticosteroid of any chemical structure or mechanism of action.Provided herein, are classes of exemplary GRAs and specific members ofsuch classes. However, one of skill in the art will readily recognizeother related or unrelated GRAs that can be employed in the treatmentmethods described herein.

1. GRAs Having a Steroidal Backbone

In some embodiments, an effective amount of a GRA with a steroidalbackbone is administered to a subject for treatment of an ACTH-secretingtumor. Steroidal GRAs can be obtained by modification of the basicstructure of glucocorticoid agonists, i.e., varied forms of the steroidbackbone. The structure of cortisol can be modified in a variety ofways. The two most commonly known classes of structural modifications ofthe cortisol steroid backbone to create GRAs include modifications ofthe 11-β hydroxy group and modification of the 17-β side chain (See,e.g., Lefebvre, J. Steroid Biochem. 33:557-563, 1989).

Examples of steroidal GR antagonists include androgen-type steroidalcompounds as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,929,058, and the compoundsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,296,206; 4,386,085; 4,447,424; 4,477,445;4,519,946; 4,540,686; 4,547,493; 4,634,695; 4,634,696; 4,753,932;4,774,236; 4,808,710; 4,814,327; 4,829,060; 4,861,763; 4,912,097;4,921,638; 4,943,566; 4,954,490; 4,978,657; 5,006,518; 5,043,332;5,064,822; 5,073,548; 5,089,488; 5,089,635; 5,093,507; 5,095,010;5,095,129; 5,132,299; 5,166,146; 5,166,199; 5,173,405; 5,276,023;5,380,839; 5,348,729; 5,426,102; 5,439,913; 5,616,458, 5,696,127, and6,303,591. Such steroidal GR antagonists include cortexolone,dexamethasone-oxetanone, 19-nordeoxycorticosterone, 19-norprogesterone,cortisol-21-mesylate; dexamethasone-21-mesylate,11β-(4-dimethylaminoethoxyphenyl)-17α-propynyl-17β-hydroxy-4,9-estradien-3-one(RU009), and(17α)-17-hydroxy-19-(4-methylphenyl)androsta-4,9(11)-dien-3-one (RU044).

Other examples of steroidal antiglucocorticoids are disclosed in VanKampen et al. (2002) Eur. J. Pharmacol. 457(2-3):207, WO 03/043640, EP 0683 172 B1, and EP 0 763 541 B1, each of which is incorporated herein byreference. EP 0 763 541 B1 and Hoyberg et al., Int'l J. ofNeuro-psychopharmacology, 5:Supp. 1, S 148 (2002) disclose the compound(11β,17β)-11-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-17-hydroxy-17-(1-propynyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one(ORG 34517), which in one embodiment, is administered in an amounteffective to treat an ACTH-secreting tumor in a subject.

2. Removal or Substitution of the 11-β Hydroxy Group

Glucocorticoid antagonists with modified steroidal backbones comprisingremoval or substitution of the 11-β hydroxy group are administered inone embodiment of the invention. This class includes natural GRAs,including cortexolone, progesterone and testosterone derivatives, andsynthetic compositions, such as mifepristone (Lefebvre, et al. supra).Preferred embodiments of the invention include all 11-β aryl steroidbackbone derivatives because, in some cases, these compounds can bedevoid of progesterone receptor (PR) binding activity (Agarwal, FEBS217:221-226, 1987). In another embodiment an 11-β phenyl-aminodimethylsteroid backbone derivative, which is both an effectiveanti-glucocorticoid and anti-progesterone agent, is administered. Thesecompositions can act as reversibly-binding steroid receptor antagonists.For example, when bound to a 11-β phenyl-aminodimethyl steroid, thesteroid receptor can be maintained in a conformation that cannot bindits natural ligand, such as cortisol in the case of GR (Cadepond, 1997,supra).

Synthetic 11-beta phenyl-aminodimethyl steroids include mifepristone,also known as RU486, or17-β-hydrox-11-β-(4-dimethyl-aminophenyl)17-α-(1-propynyl)estra-4,9-dien-3-one).Mifepristone has been shown to be a powerful antagonist of both theprogesterone and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors. Thus, in someembodiments, the GRA administered to treat an ACTH-secreting tumor ismifepristone, or a salt, tautomer, or derivative thereof. In otherembodiments, however, administration of mifepristone is specificallyexcluded as a GRA for treatment of an ACTH-secreting tumor.

Another 11-β phenyl-aminodimethyl steroid shown to have GR antagonisteffects includes the dimethyl aminoethoxyphenyl derivative RU009(RU39.009),11-β-(4-dimethyl-aminoethoxyphenyl)-17-α-(propynyl-17-β-hydroxy-4,9-estradien-3-one)(see Bocquel, J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol. 45:205-215, 1993).Another GR antagonist related to RU486 is RU044 (RU43.044)17-β-hydrox-17-α-19-(4-methyl-phenyl)-androsta-4,9(11)-dien-3-one)(Bocquel, 1993, supra). See also Teutsch, Steroids 38:651-665, 1981;U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,386,085 and 4,912,097.

One embodiment includes compositions that are irreversibleanti-glucocorticoids. Such compounds include α-keto-methanesulfonatederivatives of cortisol, including cortisol-21-mesylate(4-pregnene-11-β, 17-α, 21-triol-3, 20-dione-21-methane-sulfonate anddexamethasone-21-mesylate (16-methyl-9-α-fluoro-1,4-pregnadiene-11β,17-α, 21-triol-3, 20-dione-21-methane-sulfonte). See Simons, J. SteroidBiochem. 24:25-32, 1986; Mercier, J. Steroid Biochem. 25:11-20, 1986;U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,206.

3. Modification of the 17-beta Side Chain Group

Steroidal anti-glucocorticoids which can be obtained by variousstructural modifications of the 17-β side chain are also used in themethods of the invention. This class includes syntheticantiglucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone-oxetanone, various 17,21-acetonide derivatives and 17-beta-carboxamide derivatives ofdexamethasone (Lefebvre, 1989, supra; Rousseau, Nature 279:158-160,1979).

4. Other Steroid Backbone Modifications

GRAs used in the various embodiments of the invention include anysteroid backbone modification which effects a biological responseresulting from a GR-agonist interaction. Steroid backbone antagonistscan be any natural or synthetic variation of cortisol, such as adrenalsteroids missing the C-19 methyl group, such as19-nordeoxycorticosterone and 19-norprogesterone (Wynne, Endocrinology107:1278-1280, 1980).

In general, the 11-βside chain substituent, and particularly the size ofthat substituent, can play a key role in determining the extent of asteroid's antiglucocorticoid activity. Substitutions in the A ring ofthe steroid backbone can also be important. For example,17-hydroxypropenyl side chains can, in some cases, decreaseantiglucocorticoid activity in comparison to 17-propynyl side chaincontaining compounds.

Additional glucocorticoid receptor antagonists known in the art andsuitable for practice of the invention include21-hydroxy-6,19-oxidoprogesterone (See Vicent, Mol. Pharm. 52:749-753,1997), Org31710 (See Mizutani, J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 42(7):695-704,1992), RU43044, RU40555 (See Kim, J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol.67(3):213-22, 1998), and RU28362.

5. Non-Steroidal Anti-Glucocorticoids as Antagonists

Non-steroidal glucocorticoid receptor antagonists (GRAs) are also usedin the methods of the invention to treat adrenal insufficiency in asubject. These include synthetic mimetics and analogs of proteins,including partially peptidic, pseudopeptidic and non-peptidic molecularentities. For example, oligomeric peptidomimetics useful in theinvention include (α-β-unsaturated) peptidosulfonamides, N-substitutedglycine derivatives, oligo carbamates, oligo urea peptidomimetics,hydrazinopeptides, oligosulfones and the like (See, e.g., Amour, Int. J.Pept. Protein Res. 43:297-304, 1994; de Bont, Bioorganic & MedicinalChem. 4:667-672, 1996).

Examples of non-steroidal GR antagonists include the GR antagonistcompounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,696,127; 6,570,020; and6,051,573; the GR antagonist compounds disclosed in US PatentApplication 20020077356, the glucocorticoid receptor antagonistsdisclosed in Bradley et al., J. Med. Chem. 45, 2417-2424 (2002), e.g.,4α(S)-benzyl-2(R)-chloroethynyl-1,2,3,4,4α,9,10,10α(R)-octahydro-phenanthrene-2,7-diol(“CP 394531”) and4α(S)-benzyl-2(R)-prop-1-ynyl-1,2,3,4,4α,9,10,10α(R)-octahydro-phenanthrene-2,7-diol(“CP 409069”); and the compounds disclosed in PCT InternationalApplication No. WO 96/19458, which describes non-steroidal compoundsthat are high-affinity, highly selective antagonists for steroidreceptors, such as 6-substituted-1,2-dihydro-N-protected-quinolines.

In some embodiments, adrenal insufficiency is treated with an effectiveamount of a non-steroidal GRA having a cyclohexyl-pyrimidine backbone, afused azadecalin backbone, a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalinbackbone, or an octahydro fused azadecalin backbone. For example,adrenal insufficiency can be treated with effective amounts of one ofthe foregoing GRAs and a GC or a GC analog. Exemplary GRAs having acyclohexyl-pyrimidine backbone include those described in U.S. Pat. No.8,685,973. In some cases, the GRA having a cyclohexyl-pyrimidinebackbone has the following structure:

wherein

-   -   the dashed line is absent or a bond;    -   X is selected from the group consisting of O and S;    -   R¹ is selected from the group consisting of cycloalkyl,        heterocycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl, optionally substituted        with from 1 to 3 R^(1a) groups;    -   each R^(1a) is independently selected from the group consisting        of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₂₋₆ alkynyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆        alkyl-OR^(1b), halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl,        C₁₋₆ haloaloxy, —OR^(1b), —NR^(1b)R^(1c), —C(O)R^(1b),        —C(O)OR^(1b), —OC(O)R^(1b), —C(O)NR^(1b)R^(1c), —NR^(1b)        C(O)R^(1c), —SO₂R^(1b), —SO₂NR^(1b)R^(1c), cycloalkyl,        heterocycloalkyl, aryl and heteroaryl;    -   R^(1b) and R^(1c) are each independently selected from the group        consisting of H and C₁₋₆ alkyl;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆        alkyl-OR^(1b), C₁₋₆ alkyl-NR^(1b)R^(1c) and C₁₋₆        alkylene-heterocycloalkyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₆ alkyl;    -   Ar is aryl, optionally substituted with 1-4 R⁴ groups;    -   each R⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of        H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl and C₁₋₆        haloalkoxy;    -   L¹ is a bond or C₁₋₆ alkylene; and    -   subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3,        or a salts and isomers thereof.

Exemplary GRAs having a fused azadecalin backbone include thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,928,237; and 8,461,172. In some cases, theGRA having a fused azadecalin backbone has the following structure:

wherein

-   -   L¹ and L² are members independently selected from a bond and        unsubstituted alkylene;    -   R¹ is a member selected from unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted        heteroalkyl, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, —OR^(1A),        —NR^(1C)R^(1D), —C(O)NR^(1C)R^(1D), and —C(O)OR^(1A), wherein    -   R^(1A) is a member selected from hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl        and unsubstituted heteroalkyl,    -   R^(1C) and R^(1D) are members independently selected from        unsubstituted alkyl and unsubstituted heteroalkyl,    -   wherein R^(1C) and R^(1D) are optionally joined to form an        unsubstituted ring with the nitrogen to which they are attached,        wherein said ring optionally comprises an additional ring        nitrogen;    -   R² has the formula:

wherein

-   -   R^(2G) is a member selected from hydrogen, halogen,        unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted        cycloalkyl, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, —CN, and —CF₃;    -   J is phenyl;    -   t is an integer from 0 to 5;    -   X is —S(O₂)—; and    -   R⁵ is phenyl optionally substituted with 1-5 R^(5A) groups,        wherein    -   R^(5A) is a member selected from hydrogen, halogen, —OR^(5A1),        —S(O₂)NR^(5A2)R^(5A3), —CN, and unsubstituted alkyl, wherein    -   R^(5A1) is a member selected from hydrogen and unsubstituted        alkyl, and    -   R^(5A2) and R^(5A3) are members independently selected from        hydrogen and unsubstituted alkyl,        or salts and isomers thereof.

Exemplary GRAs having a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin backboneinclude those described in U.S. 2014/0038926. In some cases, the GRAhaving a heteroaryl ketone fused azadecalin backbone has the followingstructure:

wherein

-   -   R¹ is a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from        1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group        consisting of N, O and S, optionally substituted with 1-4 groups        each independently selected from R^(1a);    -   each R^(1a) is independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy,        C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, —CN, N-oxide, C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈        heterocycloalkyl;    -   ring J is selected from the group consisting of a cycloalkyl        ring, a heterocycloalkyl ring, an aryl ring and a heteroaryl        ring, wherein the heterocycloalkyl and heteroaryl rings have        from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms each        independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S;    -   each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of        hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆        haloalkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkoxy, —CN, —OH, —NR^(2a)R^(2b),        —C(O)R^(2a), —C(O)OR^(2a), —C(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b), —SR^(2a),        —S(O)R^(2a), —S(O)₂R^(2a), C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈        heterocycloalkyl, wherein the heterocycloalkyl groups are        optionally substituted with 1-4 R^(2c) groups;    -   alternatively, two R² groups linked to the same carbon are        combined to form an oxo group (═O);    -   alternatively, two R² groups are combined to form a        heterocycloalkyl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1        to 3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group        consisting of N, O and S, wherein the heterocycloalkyl ring is        optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 R^(2d) groups;    -   R^(2a) and R^(2b) are each independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆ alkyl;    -   each R^(2c) is independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy,        —CN, and —NR^(2a)R^(2b);    -   each R^(2d) is independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen and C₁₋₆ alkyl, or two R^(2d) groups attached to the        same ring atom are combined to form (═O);    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of phenyl and pyridyl,        each optionally substituted with 1-4 R^(3a) groups;    -   each R^(3a) is independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, halogen, and C₁₋₆ haloalkyl; and    -   subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3;    -   or salts and isomers thereof.

Exemplary GRAs having an octohydro fused azadecalin backbone includethose described in U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 61/908,333,entitled Octahydro Fused Azadecalin Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulators,filed on Nov. 25, 2013. In some cases, the GRA having an octohydro fusedazadecalin backbone has the following structure:

wherein

-   -   R¹ is a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from        1 to 4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group        consisting of N, O and S, optionally substituted with 1-4 groups        each independently selected from R^(1a);    -   each R^(1a) is independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy,        C₁₋₆ haloalkoxy, N-oxide, and C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl;    -   ring J is selected from the group consisting of an aryl ring and        a heteroaryl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members and from 1 to        4 heteroatoms each independently selected from the group        consisting of N, O and S;    -   each R² is independently selected from the group consisting of        hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, halogen, C₁₋₆ haloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, C₁₋₆        haloalkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl-C₁₋₆ alkoxy, —CN, —OH, —NR^(2a)R^(2b),        —C(O)R^(2a), —C(O)OR^(2a), —C(O)NR^(2a)R^(2b), —SR^(2a),        —S(O)R^(2a), —S(O)₂R^(2a), C₃₋₈ cycloalkyl, and C₃₋₈        heterocycloalkyl having from 1 to 3 heteroatoms each        independently selected from the group consisting of N, O and S;    -   alternatively, two R² groups on adjacent ring atoms are combined        to form a heterocycloalkyl ring having from 5 to 6 ring members        and from 1 to 3 heteroatoms each independently selected from the        group consisting of N, O and S, wherein the heterocycloalkyl        ring is optionally substituted with from 1 to 3 R^(2c) groups;    -   R^(2a), R^(2b) and R^(2c) are each independently selected from        the group consisting of hydrogen and C₁₋₆ alkyl;    -   each R^(3a) is independently halogen; and    -   subscript n is an integer from 0 to 3;        or salts and isomers thereof.        D. Pharmaceutical Compositions of Glucocorticoid Receptor        Antagonists

The GRA compositions of the present disclosure can be prepared in a widevariety of oral, parenteral and topical dosage forms. Oral preparationsof either include tablets, pills, powder, dragees, capsules, liquids,lozenges, cachets, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions, etc., suitablefor ingestion by the patient. The GRA compositions of the presentinvention can also be administered by injection, that is, intravenously,intramuscularly, intracutaneously, subcutaneously, intraduodenally, orintraperitoneally. Also, the GRA compositions described herein can beadministered by inhalation, for example, intranasally. Additionally, theGRA compositions of the present invention can be administeredtransdermally. The GRA compositions of this invention can also beadministered by intraocular, intravaginal, and intrarectal routesincluding suppositories, insufflation, powders and aerosol formulations(for examples of steroid inhalants, see Rohatagi, J. Clin. Pharmacol.35:1187-1193, 1995; Tjwa, Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. 75:107-111,1995). Accordingly, the present invention provides pharmaceuticalcompositions of a GRA including a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier orexcipient and a GRA compound of the present invention.

For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the GRA compounds of thepresent invention, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be eithersolid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets,pills, capsules, cachets, suppositories, and dispersible granules. Asolid carrier can be one or more substances, which may also act asdiluents, flavoring agents, binders, preservatives, tabletdisintegrating agents, or an encapsulating material. Details ontechniques for formulation and administration are well described in thescientific and patent literature, see, e.g., the latest edition ofRemington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maack Publishing Co, Easton Pa.(“Remington's”).

In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid, which is in a mixturewith the finely divided active component. In tablets, the activecomponent is mixed with the carrier having the necessary bindingproperties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and sizedesired. The powders and tablets preferably contain from 5% or 10% to70% of the compounds of the present invention.

Suitable solid excipients include, but are not limited to, magnesiumcarbonate; magnesium stearate; talc; pectin; dextrin; starch;tragacanth; a low melting wax; cocoa butter; carbohydrates; sugarsincluding, but not limited to, lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol,starch from corn, wheat, rice, potato, or other plants; cellulose suchas methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, or sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose; and gums including arabic and tragacanth; aswell as proteins including, but not limited to, gelatin and collagen. Ifdesired, disintegrating or solubilizing agents may be added, such as thecross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, alginic acid, or a saltthereof, such as sodium alginate.

Dragee cores are provided with suitable coatings such as concentratedsugar solutions, which may also contain gum arabic, talc,polyvinylpyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, and/or titaniumdioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organic solvents or solventmixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments may be added to the tablets or drageecoatings for product identification or to characterize the quantity ofactive compound (i.e., dosage). Pharmaceutical preparations of theinvention can also be used orally using, for example, push-fit capsulesmade of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and acoating such as glycerol or sorbitol. Push-fit capsules can contain thecompounds of the present invention mixed with a filler or binders suchas lactose or starches, lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate,and, optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, the compounds of thepresent invention may be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids,such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycol withor without stabilizers.

For preparing suppositories, a low melting wax, such as a mixture offatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter, is first melted and the compoundsof the present invention are dispersed homogeneously therein, as bystirring. The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into convenientsized molds, allowed to cool, and thereby to solidify.

Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions,for example, water or water/propylene glycol solutions. For parenteralinjection, liquid preparations can be formulated in solution in aqueouspolyethylene glycol solution.

Aqueous solutions suitable for oral use can be prepared by dissolvingone or more compounds of the present invention in water and addingsuitable colorants, flavors, stabilizers, and thickening agents asdesired. Aqueous suspensions suitable for oral use can be made bydispersing the finely divided active component in water with viscousmaterial, such as natural or synthetic gums, resins, methylcellulose,sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, sodiumalginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia, anddispersing or wetting agents such as a naturally occurring phosphatide(e.g., lecithin), a condensation product of an alkylene oxide with afatty acid (e.g., polyoxyethylene stearate), a condensation product ofethylene oxide with a long chain aliphatic alcohol (e.g.,heptadecaethylene oxycetanol), a condensation product of ethylene oxidewith a partial ester derived from a fatty acid and a hexitol (e.g.,polyoxyethylene sorbitol mono-oleate), or a condensation product ofethylene oxide with a partial ester derived from fatty acid and ahexitol anhydride (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate). Theaqueous suspension can also contain one or more preservatives such asethyl or n-propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one ormore flavoring agents and one or more sweetening agents, such assucrose, aspartame or saccharin. Formulations can be adjusted forosmolarity.

Also included are solid form preparations, which are intended to beconverted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for oraladministration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions, andemulsions. These preparations may contain, in addition to the activecomponent, colorants, flavors, stabilizers, buffers, artificial andnatural sweeteners, dispersants, thickeners, solubilizing agents, andthe like.

Oil suspensions can be formulated by suspending the compounds of thepresent invention in a vegetable oil, such as arachis oil, olive oil,sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin;or a mixture of these. The oil suspensions can contain a thickeningagent, such as beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweeteningagents can be added to provide a palatable oral preparation, such asglycerol, sorbitol or sucrose. These formulations can be preserved bythe addition of an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid. As an example ofan injectable oil vehicle, see Minto, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.281:93-102, 1997. The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention canalso be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase can be avegetable oil or a mineral oil, described above, or a mixture of these.Suitable emulsifying agents include naturally-occurring gums, such asgum acacia and gum tragacanth, naturally occurring phosphatides, such assoybean lecithin, esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids andhexitol anhydrides, such as sorbitan mono-oleate, and condensationproducts of these partial esters with ethylene oxide, such aspolyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate. The emulsion can also containsweetening agents and flavoring agents, as in the formulation of syrupsand elixirs. Such formulations can also contain a demulcent, apreservative, or a coloring agent.

The GRA compositions provided herein can also be delivered asmicrospheres for slow release in the body. For example, microspheres canbe formulated for administration via intradermal injection ofdrug-containing microspheres, which slowly release subcutaneously (seeRao, J. Biomater Sci. Polym. Ed. 7:623-645, 1995; as biodegradable andinjectable gel formulations (see, e.g., Gao Pharm. Res. 12:857-863,1995); or, as microspheres for oral administration (see, e.g., Eyles, J.Pharm. Pharmacol. 49:669-674, 1997). Both transdermal and intradermalroutes afford constant delivery for weeks or months.

In another embodiment, the GRA compositions of the present invention canbe formulated for parenteral administration, such as intravenous (IV)administration or administration into a body cavity or lumen of anorgan. The formulations for administration will commonly comprise asolution of the compositions of the present invention dissolved in apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Among the acceptable vehicles andsolvents that can be employed are water and Ringer's solution, anisotonic sodium chloride. In addition, sterile fixed oils canconventionally be employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For thispurpose any bland fixed oil can be employed including synthetic mono- ordiglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid can likewisebe used in the preparation of injectables. These solutions are sterileand generally free of undesirable matter. These GRA formulations may besterilized by conventional, well known sterilization techniques. Theformulations may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliarysubstances as required to approximate physiological conditions such aspH adjusting and buffering agents, toxicity adjusting agents, e.g.,sodium acetate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride,sodium lactate and the like. The concentration of the compositions ofthe present invention in these formulations can vary widely, and will beselected primarily based on fluid volumes, viscosities, body weight, andthe like, in accordance with the particular mode of administrationselected and the patient's needs. For IV administration, the GRAformulation can be a sterile injectable preparation, such as a sterileinjectable aqueous or oleaginous suspension. This suspension can beformulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing orwetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparationcan also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a nontoxicparenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, such as a solution of1,3-butanediol.

In another embodiment, the formulations of the compositions of thepresent invention can be delivered by the use of liposomes which fusewith the cellular membrane or are endocytosed, i.e., by employingligands attached to the liposome, or attached directly to theoligonucleotide, that bind to surface membrane protein receptors of thecell resulting in endocytosis. By using liposomes, particularly wherethe liposome surface carries ligands specific for target cells, or areotherwise preferentially directed to a specific organ, one can focus thedelivery of the compositions of the present invention into the targetcells in vivo. (See, e.g., Al-Muhammed, J. Microencapsul. 13:293-306,1996; Chonn, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 6:698-708, 1995; Ostro, Am. J.Hosp. Pharm. 46:1576-1587, 1989).

Lipid-based drug delivery systems include lipid solutions, lipidemulsions, lipid dispersions, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems(SEDDS) and self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS). Inparticular, SEDDS and SMEDDS are isotropic mixtures of lipids,surfactants and co-surfactants that can disperse spontaneously inaqueous media and form fine emulsions (SEDDS) or microemulsions(SMEDDS). Lipids useful in the formulations of the present inventioninclude any natural or synthetic lipids including, but not limited to,sesame seed oil, olive oil, castor oil, peanut oil, fatty acid esters,glycerol esters, Labrafil®, Labrasol®, Cremophor®, Solutol®, Tween®,Capryol®, Capmul®, Captex®, and Peceol®.

The GRA composition can also contain other compatible therapeuticagents. The compounds described herein can be used in combination withone another, with other active agents known to be useful in antagonizinga glucocorticoid receptor, or with adjunctive agents that may not beeffective alone, but may contribute to the efficacy of the active agent.

E. Administration

The GRA compounds or compositions of the present invention can bedelivered by any suitable means, including oral, parenteral (e.g.,intravenous injection or intramuscular injection) and topical methods.Transdermal administration methods, by a topical route, can beformulated as applicator sticks, solutions, suspensions, emulsions,gels, creams, ointments, pastes, jellies, paints, powders, and aerosols.

The pharmaceutical preparation is preferably in unit dosage form. Insuch form the preparation is subdivided into unit doses containingappropriate quantities of the compounds and compositions of the presentinvention. The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, thepackage containing discrete quantities of preparation, such as packetedtablets, capsules, and powders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unitdosage form can be a capsule, tablet, cachet, or lozenge itself, or itcan be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form.

GRAs can be administered orally. For example, the GRA can beadministered as a pill, a capsule, or liquid formulation as describedherein. Alternatively, GRAs can be provided via parenteraladministration. For example, the GRA can be administered intravenously(e.g., by injection or infusion). Additional methods of administrationof the compounds described herein, and pharmaceutical compositions orformulations thereof, are described herein.

In some embodiments, the GRA is administered in one dose. In otherembodiments, the GRA is administered in more than one dose, e.g., 2doses, 3 doses, 4 doses, 5 doses, 6 doses, 7 doses, or more. In somecases, the doses are of an equivalent amount. In other cases, the dosesare of different amounts. The doses can increase or taper over theduration of administration. The amount will vary according to, forexample, the GRA properties. To determine an effective dose, the GRAmust elevate the level of ACTH by at least two fold in persons withnormal Hypothalmus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) function.

In some embodiments, the subject diagnosed as having adrenalinsufficiency is administered a therapeutically effective amount of aGRA to ameliorate at least one symptom of adrenal insufficiency. In somecase, therapeutically effective amount of the GRA can be administered totreat adrenal insufficiency, e.g., primary adrenal insufficiency orsecondary adrenal insufficiency.

IV. Examples Example 1 Diagnosis of Hypercortisolemia

A 45-year-old female visits her endocrinologist. She appears to haveabdominal obesity, thin arms and legs, a round red face, and a fat lumpbetween the shoulders. She has acne and reddish purple stretch marks inthe body that are more than 1 cm wide. She describes having fragile skinthat heals poorly, irregular menstruation, and she often feels changesin mood, headaches, and a chronic feeling of tiredness. Her physicalexamination records show that she has proximal muscle weakness andosteoporosis. Her blood tests indicate that she has low potassium,diabetes and elevated blood pressure. She has not been taken exogenousglucocorticoid drugs prior to this visit. Her endocrinologist suspectsshe has hypercortisolemia, and orders a late night saliva cortisol testfor her.

She complies to the requirement not to brush, eat, or drink for 30minutes prior to the saliva collection. At midnight she collected hersaliva by placing a swab into her mouth, while rolling the swab, forapproximately 2 minutes. The sample is assayed using Mayo Clinic TestID: SALCT following the protocol provided with the test. The resultshows that her cortisol level is 200 ng/dL, indicating that she hashypercortisolemia.

Example 2. Diagnosis of Cushing's Syndrome

After diagnosis of hypercortisolemia, additional tests are ordered forher to determine whether she has Cushing's syndrome. First, adexamethasone suppression test is performed. She is given 1 mg ofdexamethasone at 11 pm, and the next morning her blood sample arecollected between 8-9 am. Serum are collected from the blood andmeasured for cortisol using Mayo Clinic Test ID: CORT(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8545),according to manufacturer's instructions. Her serum cortisol level is2.2 mcg/dl, consistent with the presence of Cushing's syndrome.

Next, a 24 hour urine collection is ordered to measure her urine freecortisol. 3 mL of her 24-hour urine specimen is collected into acontainer, with the addition of 10 gram of boric acid as a preservative.The sample is centrifuged and removed of precipitate before the assay.Cortisol content is analyzed using Mayo Clinic Test ID: COCOU, accordingto manufacturer's instructions(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Specimen/82948).The test shows a cortisol level of 180 mcg—4 fold of the upper limit ofthe normal range of cortisol for the test: 3.5-45 mcg. Based on her24-hour urine excretion test result as well as her clinical symptoms,she is diagnosed as having Cushing's syndrome. The next step is tomeasure ACTH to differentiate between ACTH-dependent andACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome.

Example 3. Diagnosis of ACTH-Dependent Cushing's Syndrome

A blood test is then performed to determine her plasma ACTH level. 1 mLof whole blood sample is drawn from her in the morning. The blood isspun down in a refrigerated centrifuge and the plasma is immediatelyseparated from cells. 0.5 mL of the plasma sample is assayed for ACTHusing Mayo Clinic Test ID: ACTH, following the manufacturer'sinstructions(http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Specimen/8411). Theresult shows her plasma ACTH is 80 pg/mL, which indicates that she hasACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.

Example 4. Diagnosis of Cushing Disease

Following the diagnosis of ACTH dependent Cushing's syndrome, she thenundergoes IPSS to identify the source of abnormal ACTH secretion, i.e.,whether it is pituitary or ectopic. Mifepristone administration and IPSSare performed to determine the cause of her ACTH-dependent Cushing'ssyndrome. She first takes an oral dose of 300-1500 mg of mifepristone at11 pm the night before IPSS. Mifepristone at this dose is sufficient toincrease ACTH from the pituitary gland by at least two-fold in personshaving normal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) function.Between 8 to 10 am, an interventional radiologist performs a femoralmicrocatheterization, in which two 0.018 inch microcatheters areadvanced from the femoral vein up to her right and left inferiorpetrosal sinuses (IPS). Another 0.018 microcatherter is inserted intothe peripheral jugular vein. A 5,000 unit bolus of heparin isadministered to the veins to prevent venous sinus thrombosis.

After the microcathers enter the sinuses and the jugular bulb, adiagnostic venography is performed, in which a rapid injection ofcontrast is performed to attempt to reflux contrast into the inferiorpetrosal sinus to guide placement of a microcatheter. After confirmingthe position of the microcatheter and positioning it well in the IPS,two samplings are made at 5-10 minutes apart. Blood samples are drawnsimultaneously from the IPS and the jugular vein at each sampling andimmediately placed in EDTA-containing tubes on ice.

One half of each blood sample is centrifuged for 10 minutes at1,000-2,000 g to remove the cells and collect plasma. The other half isleft undisturbed at room temperature for 30 minutes to clot, and serumis obtained after removal of the clot by a centrifugation. The plasmasamples from both the jugular vein and the IPS are assayed for ACTHusing Mayo Clinic's Test ID: ACTH, as described above. The serum samplesare assayed for prolactin using Mayo Clinic's Test ID: PLPMA, followingthe manufacturer's instructions. The results show that the prolactinlevel in her left IPS is 25 ng/ml and right IPS is 24 ng/ml. Theprolactin level in her jugular vein is 12 ng/ml. The ACTH level in herIPS is 800 pg/ml and the ACTH in her jugular vein is 200 pg/ml.

Her IPSs (both left and right) to jugular vein prolactin ratio isgreater than 1.8, which reflects the correct central-to-peripherygradient, thus confirming the correct positioning of thecatheterization. Her IPSs to jugular vein ACTH ratio is greater than 3,which indicates she has Cushing Disease.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, one of skill in the art will appreciate that certainchanges and modifications may be practiced within the scope of theappended claims. In addition, each reference provided herein isincorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if eachreference was individually incorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of concurrently treating Cushing'ssyndrome and obtaining a measurement indicative of differentialdiagnosis of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing'ssyndrome in a patient where the differential diagnosis is betweenectopic ACTH syndrome and Cushing's disease, the method comprising thesteps of: administering a dose of mifepristone to a patient withCushing's syndrome, hypercortisolemia, and an elevated ACTH level,wherein the amount of mifepristone administered to said patient is atleast 300 milligrams (mg) and is no greater than 1500 mg; then,determining the ACTH concentration ratio from venous samples obtainedfrom the patient at least two hours following said mifepristoneadministration, wherein said venous samples are obtained from a) theleft or right inferior petrosal venous sinus and from b) a peripheralvein; and wherein an ACTH concentration ratio of greater than 3 for theACTH concentration from an inferior petrosal venous sinus sample overthe peripheral venous sample is diagnostic of Cushing's disease.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said mifepristone is administered orally. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of mifepristone is 300 mg. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of mifepristone is greaterthan 300 mg and is less than 1500 mg.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe amount of mifepristone is 1500 mg.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereina first and second sampling of the ACTH concentrations are taken 5-10minutes apart from both the inferior petrosal venous sinus and aperiphery venous sample.
 7. The method of claim 1, comprising obtainingsaid venous samples, wherein said mifepristone is administered at about11 PM the night preceding said obtaining the venous samples.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the periphery venous sample is a jugularvenous sample.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said administering adose of mifepristone comprises administering a plurality of daily dosesof mifepristone for a period of not less than 5 weeks.
 10. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the periphery venous sample is a jugular venous sample.11. A method of concurrently treating Cushing's syndrome and obtaining ameasurement indicative of differential diagnosis of adrenocorticotropichormone (ACTH)-dependent Cushing's syndrome in a patient where thedifferential diagnosis is between ectopic ACTH syndrome and Cushing'sdisease, the method comprising the steps of: Selecting a patient havingCushing's syndrome, said patient having hypercortisolemia and anelevated ACTH level; determining the ACTH concentration ratio from saidpatient, where the patient has been administered a dose of mifepristoneat least two hours prior to the removal of venous samples, wherein saidmifepristone dose is at least 300 milligrams (mg) mifepristone and is nogreater than 1500 mg mifepristone; wherein the ACTH concentration ratiois derived from the ACTH concentrations in fluid obtained from eitherthe left or right inferior petrosal venous sinus of the patient and fromfluid obtained from a periphery venous sample obtained from the patient;and wherein an ACTH concentration ratio of greater than 3 for the ACTHconcentration from the inferior venous sinus sample over the peripheryvenous sinus sample is indicative of Cushing's disease.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein said mifepristone is administered orally.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the amount of mifepristone is 300 mg. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein the amount of mifepristone is greaterthan 300 mg and is less than 1500 mg.
 15. The method of claim 11,wherein the amount of mifepristone is 1500 mg.
 16. The method of claim11, wherein a first and second sampling of the ACTH concentrations aretaken 5-10 minutes apart from both the inferior petrosal venous sinusand a periphery venous sample.
 17. The method of claim 11, comprisingobtaining said venous samples, wherein said mifepristone is administeredat about 11 PM the night preceding said obtaining the venous samples.18. The method of claim 11, wherein the periphery venous sample is ajugular venous sample.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein saidadministering a dose of mifepristone comprises administering a pluralityof daily doses of mifepristone for a period of not less than 5 weeks.20. The method of claim 11 wherein the periphery venous sample is ajugular venous sample.